The epitome of a hidden gem, Skyve Wine Bistro is nestled among clusters of ballet academies, pilates studios and private office spaces. A mere 10-minute walk from Newton MRT Station, it offers a wining and dining experience within the convenient location of town, with hardly any signs of being in the bustling, commercialised Orchard area. If a quaint and tranquil meal surrounded by both lush greenery and glitzy, modern furnishings is what you’re after, Skyve Wine Bistro checks all the boxes.

In fact, those who aren’t in on the secret would walk right past the compound housing Skyve, as the entrance looks just like that of a school. This is because the same site is where the old Monk’s Hill Secondary School used to reside, all the way back in 1958. How’s that for a charming history fact?

Skyve Wine Bistro — Smoked Tomato

This Smoked Tomato ($12) starter with buffalo snow works well to both cleanse your palate thoroughly and rev up your appetite for what’s to come. I’ve honestly never had something so pleasantly clean tasting, it left my mouth tingling with delight! The Japanese momotaro tomatoes were sweet and juicy, while heart of palm gave the dish a chewy texture and adequate savouriness. The green dollop is actually basil sorbet, which is surprisingly refreshing and tasty!

Skyve Wine Bistro — Mediterranean Octopus

For people who are averse to eating tentacled seafood, I urge you to start with Skyve’s rendition of Mediterranean Octopus ($18). Cooked sous vide style before chargrilling, a wonderfully smokey flavour and aroma is locked in. The excessive chewiness of certain octopi not executed well is a concern for me, but the mouth feel of these were perfect. Served alongside lemon pickled eggplant and infused with the taste of vandouvan (a blend of Indian spices with French influences), this unassuming appetizer is rather addictive.

Skyve Wine Bistro — Duck Confit

Even the most carnivorous diners may find dealing with bone-in meats a pesky affair. Not with this Duck Confit ($28), which is fall-off-the-bone tender and pairs exquisitely with the creamy pomme puree (aka mashed potatoes). Although brussels sprouts are typically boiled and give off a garbage-esque taste, these little globes of green are torched to a satisfying crisp on the external layers with plenty of flavour sealed in throughout. You’d never think to associate them with being the poster child for “gross vegetables”!

Skyve Wine Bistro — Lobster Sang Mee

Here’s a guaranteed showstopper that’ll wow everyone from your foreign pals to your tzechar-loving grandparents: Lobster Sang Mee ($34). A comfort food staple of Chinese cuisine, these crispy noodles in egg drop soup are elevated by the addition of fresh, quality seafood and a divine, picture-perfect presentation. Topped with battered and fried mussels, abalone slices, plus a generous tail AND claw of lobster, this is the height of luxury that transforms the beloved noodle dish of many a childhood.

Skyve Wine Bistro — Hibachi Pork

This glorious hunk of meat is decadent, albeit a bit dry and tough at certain points. But the highlight of the Hibachi Pork ($28) lies in the fatty bits surrounding the edges. As a firm supporter of lean meats who winces simply at the thought of jiggly pork fats, the melt-in-your-mouth texture of this chop may have converted me. Encrusted with furikake bits to amplify texture, this dish also comes with crackling chicharron, deep-fried pork rinds popular in Spanish and Filipino cuisine.

Skyve Wine Bistro — Molten Chocolate

Fans of lava cakes, salted caramel, and orange chocolate are in a for a treat. The Molten Chocolate ($12) encapsulates it all and creates the ultimate dessert of sinfully decadent proportions. The salt from the caramel ice cream balances out the sweetness of the rich cake and chocolate sauce, certainly a more exciting complement than regular vanilla. And although it may seem like a small amount, the candied zest packs a strong citrus punch.

Skyve Wine Bistro — Semifreddo of Lime

For those who prefer to end things off on a lighter note, this Semifreddo of Lime ($10) with blue pea flower caviar will hit the spot. Equal parts creamy and refreshingly sour, the tanginess of the lime does a great job of cutting through the heaviness of the meal. What’s more, the crumbled sable biscuit adds texture and creates an almost cheesecake-like taste sensation.

In the daytime, Skyve Wine Bistro’s floor-to-ceiling glass panel windows allow sunlight to flood in and illuminate the chic interior. The cheery atmosphere makes for a great catch-up session with friends over their brunch menu, or getting some weekend work done while sipping a cuppa and enjoying their iconic S’mores French Toast ($12).

Come sundown, Skyve transforms into an upbeat venue for date nights or a corporate dinner party that’s set to impress. With jazzy music setting the mood and an undeniable touch of sophistication all throughout the ambience, the wide array of unique signature dishes seal the deal for an unforgettably superb gourmet experience.